When Summer Meets Winter

A bitter wind, with frost in its bite,
was upon us that dreadful December day,
as we drove through country roads,
racing you to the emergency vets.

Your frail body was too sick to allow you to take in the scenery,
but I was looking for you.
I couldn't help but think how much fun you would have
with freedom in those farmer's fields.

The words 'six months' has echoed repeatedly
inside my mind since I first heard them that day,
but for you, I remained strong.
I kept myself going by thinking we could at least share our last winter together
and create what would become our last precious memories.

You love winter, this I know.
You never want to stay inside,
you never fear the rain,
and most of all you love the snow
as you happily roll in it all day.

Winter also means more rain -
more water on the ground for you.
So I happily watched you splash in every puddle,
absorbing the mud into your golden fur.

The words 'six months' echoed loudly every day,
but I forgot to start taking time away,
and as winter passed us by,
summer approached...
I was dreading the month of May.
But for you, I remained strong
because I knew how much you loved summer
just as much as you loved winter!

You love the sun shining on your face,
then cooling off in the shade,
but most of all you love the lighter nights
because I allow you to stay in the garden longer to laze.

I hoped and prayed for one last wish -
a purely selfish wish,
I begged for you to reach thirteen -
a milestone that many dogs miss.

My wish was granted almost four weeks ago,
as you ran around your favourite forest
with your undefeatable determination to live.

But after you turned thirteen, and the month of June was looming,
I knew we had reached those two haunting words, 'six months'.

Although for you I still remain strong,
I cannot tell you how much it hurts
to know summer will soon pass us by,
and those two words echo louder now,
as I realise more than ever
how extremely precious one more day can be!

Saffie
25

31/5/16